Best Cardio Workouts: Finding a Cardio Workout for You
Cardio comes in all shapes and sizes. It could be playing a sport, running in the park, using a piece of exercise equipment, etc. With this list of the best cardio workouts, you can make sure to have more fun and get better results when exercising.
This list of the best cardio workouts will highlight ten different cardio workouts that you can take advantage of. With this list, you can keep your cardio workouts fresh and challenging, both of which will encourage you to continue to push yourself.
One of the biggest reasons people get burned out with their workout program, running, etc., is because it becomes repetitive. Doing the same thing every day or every week will lead to burnout. But, if you can mix it up and get your cardio in while also doing multiple activities, you will continue to keep things fun and interesting. Also, many of these top cardio workouts can be done with a partner. This will provide even more inspiration as you will have an accountability partner and someone else that is relying on you to help accomplish their fitness goals.
And last but not least, it will also provide a community you can be a part of. Playing a sport, going to the gym, or jogging with a group of friends are all ways to enjoy fitness and be a part of a community that allows you to get to know more people. All of which will encourage you to stay active and continue to improve your health.
If you want to look your best while performing these different cardio workouts, visit our list of the best activewear brands. And to make sure that your body is fueled properly, our lists of the best workout supplements, best protein powders, and best pre-workout supplements will have you covered.
Top 10 Cardio Workouts
1. Jumping Rope
Highlights: It doesn’t require much space, gets your heart pumping, ropes are inexpensive.
About Cardio Workout: Looking for a great cardio workout that doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment? Look no further than the humble jump rope. Jumping rope is an excellent way to get your heart pumping, burn calories, and so much more.
Plus, it’s something that just about anyone can do. Jump ropes are also inexpensive and easy to take with you on the go, making them a great addition to any fitness routine. And don’t think that this is the same jump rope that you used to do as a little kid, either. There are a number of different jump rope exercises that you can use to challenge yourself.
2. Playing Sports
Highlights: Great for physical and mental health, provides a wide range of options, and can help you connect in a community.
About Cardio Workout: Who doesn’t love the feeling of getting out there and playing some sports? Not only is it great cardio, but it’s also a ton of fun. And it’s not just for kids, either. Adults can benefit from playing sports, too.
There are so many benefits to playing sports. First of all, it’s great for your physical health. It can help you stay in shape and improve your cardiovascular health. But that’s not all. Playing sports can also improve your mental health. It can help you reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and boost your mood.
In addition to all of that, playing sports is also a great way to make new friends and bond with old ones. There’s nothing like getting together to throw a football or kick a soccer ball around on a nice day.
3. HIIT Workout
Highlights: High intensity and quick recovery periods, it can be modified as needed, and allows for a quality workout in a short period of time.
About Cardio Workout: HIIT workouts are one of the best ways to take your cardio workout up a notch. These challenging exercises blend intervals of high-intensity work with quicker recovery periods, so you can get more done in less time.
You can use HIIT with any type of cardio workout, whether you’re running, using a stair-climbing machine, rowing, or using resistance bands or a piece of ab exercise equipment. With HIIT, you’ll work up a sweat fast and see results sooner than you thought possible.
4. Gym Cardio Equipment
Highlights: Helps protect your joints, can watch TV or read while exercising, and can be used in your gym or at home.
About Cardio Workout: Whether you’re looking to run, jog, or power walk your way to better health, gym cardio equipment offers an excellent option for you. You can hop on any cardio machine that speaks to you and then get to work.
Another great thing about gym cardio equipment is that it will help to protect your joints from the constant pounding of running on pavement. So if you have joint issues, consider using an elliptical or row machine; both are extremely joint-friendly.
And last but not least, as you are stationary while using these different exercise machines, you can read or watch something on TV. This will help to keep your mind occupied, and before you know it, you will have completed your workout. Just make sure to continue to push yourself!
5. Walk or Run Stairs
Highlights: It can be done outdoors on a nice day, improves athleticism, and can be done at your own pace.
About Cardio Workout: Looking for an effective high-intensity cardio workout? Look no further than running or walking stairs. This workout builds speed, power, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. And it’s a great way to get in some exercise on a nice sunny day as well.
When looking for some stairs to run, check out your local high school stadium, or if you live in a downtown area, maybe a taller parking garage.
6. Swimming
Highlights: Involves large muscle groups working together, it helps improve your overall cardiovascular health, and is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
About Cardio Workout: Swimming involves lots of large muscle groups working together simultaneously and continuously, which gets your heart pumping and helps improve your overall cardiovascular health.
It is also a great way to exercise for those that are looking to avoid putting stress on their joints. Not to mention, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. So dive into swimming today and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
7. Running/Walking
Highlights: You can go at your own pace, perfect for enjoying a sunny day, and you can easily track your times to work on improvement.
About Cardio Workout: If you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, walking and running are excellent exercises to consider. Walking is a great way to start if you’re new to working out, while running can help you burn more calories and lose weight.
Whether you start out walking, running, or with a combination of both, having the right pair of shoes makes a big difference. So make sure to take advantage of our list of the best running shoe brands and find the perfect pair of running shoes for you.
8. Boxing
Highlights: High-impact activity, builds strength and stamina, and is a fun way to switch up your workouts.
About Cardio Workout: Looking for an exhilarating way to get in shape? Check out boxing. Not only is it an incredible workout for your heart and lungs, but you’ll also torch some serious calories. A typical boxing session can burn up to 1000 calories, and because it’s a high-impact activity, you should see results quickly.
But cardio boxing isn’t just about burning calories. It’s also a great way to build strength and stamina. By combining shadowboxing and bag work with continuous cardio movements, you’ll develop powerful muscles and learn how to control your heart rate. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a new challenge, boxing is the perfect cardio workout for you.
9. Bodyweight Exercises
Highlights: Can be done anywhere, does not require any expensive equipment, and is challenging and effective.
About Cardio Workout: Bodyweight exercises are an excellent way to improve your cardio and overall conditioning. This type of training can be done anywhere, without any expensive equipment, and it’s a great way to get your sweat on.
To help you get started, visit our lists of the best core exercises, best push-up variations, and best yoga poses. These lists will provide bodyweight exercises that you can use to get started on right away.
10. Rowing Machine
Highlights: Protects your joints, allows you to go at your own pace, and incorporates the whole body.
About Cardio Workout: If you’re looking for an excellent aerobic exercise that can help with weight loss, stamina, and more, look no further than the rowing machine. Using a rowing machine will incorporate your entire body to create power and is a great cardio workout.
Before you know it, you will feel like you are rowing for a gold medal in the Olympics. And as mentioned with some of the other workouts, a rowing machine is one of the best cardio workouts for protecting your joints because there is no hard pounding on your joints with this exercise.
Best Cardio Workouts Conclusion
The best cardio workout for you is the one that fits your individual needs and goals. If you’re looking for a way to get in shape without spending hours at the gym, there are several great cardio workouts that you can do at home, at the park, on a court, etc. So, find the one that works best for you and get started on your fitness journey.
And, of course, it doesn’t have to be just one type of cardio. The more you can mix and match your cardio, the more excited you will be to look forward to it.
Another big part of cardio and exercise, in general, is having the right equipment. For example, if you have a quality pair of running shoes compared to shoes that don’t offer much support, your jogging outlook will be very different. Or even if it is as simple as the activewear clothing, you are wearing and feeling and looking your best while you exercise. Having the right athletic gear can make a big difference, so invest in that as well.
Do you have a favorite cardio workout that didn’t make the list? Please feel free to share below if you do.
